The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) engaged SI to conduct an impact evaluation of its Mongolia Energy and Environment Project (EEP). This evaluation focused on a subsidy program for energy-efficient household heating stoves. The stoves were designed to reduce air pollution, fuel consumption and health costs.

Completed three phases of evaluation data collection during the winter of 2012-2013. The following methods were used:

Panel data from three surveys of 1,057 randomly sampled households provided data on fuel consumption and stove usage patterns over the course of the winter, demographic and economic characteristics, dwelling characteristics, and stove perceptions.

Household stove emissions and indoor air quality measurements of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter capable of causing various health problems), carbon monoxide, and other pollutants were obtained from a random subsample of 143 dwellings throughout the winter

Engaged an independent local firm to complete extensive quality control verification on survey data. This confirmed a very low 0.2% error rate.

Shared report findings through dissemination workshops in Ulaanbaatar and Washington, DC to encourage utilization of evaluation results. More than 60 representatives of parliament, national and city government agencies, academic institutions, private sector stove distributors, international donors, the media, and the U.S. Embassy attended the Ulaanbaatar workshop. Local television and print news distributed findings to Ulaanbaatar residents.

Results:

MCA stoves estimated to have led to 30% reduction of ambient air pollution (PM2.5 concentrations) from residential heating stoves.

Improved health:

In year of evaluation, subsidy program estimated to have contributed to ~10% reduction in air pollution related disease outcomes and $3.9 million savings in health care costs.

Coal consumption:

The EEP stove subsidy program did not achieve significant reductions in daily coal consumption or fuel expenditures under typical usage conditions.

Very low compliance with MCA stove operation instructions may have contributed to lack of reduced coal consumption. Significant reductions in coal use were observed when households used MCA stoves according to instructions.